Russia wants either Mistrals or money, but not awkward explanations

The topic of Mistral vessels that Russian has not received from France yet, still attracts attention of world's media. Pravda.Ru has reported before that Moscow expects either the vessels or a financial compensation from French partners.

"No one on our end is going to listen to explanations from French officials, who say that they delay the handover of the vessels to Russia on account of the absence of some conditions. We do not consider it force majeure, in accordance with contractual terms. This is just a demonstration of the geopolitical weakness of Franc if you want," Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said in an interview with Russia-24 TV channel.

According to Rogozin, France succumbs to the pressure from the West and the European Union on this issue. "The time to answer to contractual obligations to Russia, including penalties, will come soon," Dmitry Rogozin added.